Lake Manyara National Park

Location And Geography

Lake Manyara National Park is located between the Great Rift Valley and Lake Manyara and is a protected area in Tanzania’s Arusha and Manyara regions.

Lake Manyara National Park is named after a shallow alkaline or soda lake which is fed by a series of rivers coming over the cliffs. The lake has no outlets. The varied terrain and vegetation are part of the appeal of Safari In Tanzania.

• For starters, there’s a groundwater forest covered with evergreen mahoganies and figs.
• Then, there are the open savannahs and acacia woodlands.
• Around the lake itself, there are salt flats and marshlands.

Even though the park is relatively small compared to other Tanzania National Parks, with an area of 130 sq. miles, it has some of the most diverse habitats. The park boasts more than 10 distinctive ecosystems and one of Africa’s largest diversities of flora.

Lake Manyara National Park's location and geography provide a rich and varied habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including an impressive diversity of bird species.

Accessing The Park

Lake Manyara National Park is accessible from either the northern or southern gate. Though, the northern gate is the one that’s most commonly used because most of the safari accommodations are located close by.

Accessing Lake Manyara by Air

Arusha is the gateway town for most Lake Manyara National Park Safaris. The most convenient way to get to Lake Manyara National Park when flying from outside to Tanzania is by scheduling your flight to the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). The airport is just 46 km. away from Arusha.

• You can also go a different way and book a charter flight from Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam.
• And then fly to Arusha Airport (ARK) or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).

Flights from Arusha and Serengeti National Park to the airstrip in Lake Manyara are also available.

Accessing Lake Manyara by Road

Lake Manyara National Park is located 126 km away from Arusha and is well connected by road. It can be easily reached by any private conveyance. By car, it takes one to two hours on the newly constructed tarred road from Arusha Town to the Manyara entrance gate.

The park forms an important stop as part of your Northern Circuit safari. It can also be accessed through public transport like a bus to Mto wa Mbu village and then rent a car to get you into the park.

Weather And Climate Of Lake Manyara National Park

The incredible game-viewing circuit through the compact ecosystem of Tanzania Safari offers an example of an ideal Tanzania Safari Experience. Right from the entrance gate, there will never be a moment that won’t amaze you.

Lake Manyara National Park experiences a mild and temperate climate. Average temperatures tend to stay consistent throughout the year. The temperatures rarely get hot enough to be uncomfortable and the nighttime and evening temperatures are almost always cold.

Monthly Average Temperatures In Lake Manyara

Rainfall Period

The amount of rainfall that Lake Manyara National Park receives varies depending on the time of year. The park experiences two distinct rainy seasons: the long rains, which occur from March to May, and the short rains, which occur from October to December. Here’s a table that will offer you more clues:

• During the long rainy season, the park receives the majority of its rainfall.
• This period coincides with the park's low season, which means that fewer tourists are visiting the park.
• The heavy rainfall during this time can make some parts of the park inaccessible.
• But it also creates lush vegetation and an abundance of water sources, which attract large numbers of animals.

During the short rainy season, the park receives less rainfall. This period is still considered a good time to visit the park, as the vegetation is still green and the wildlife is still abundant. However, the park can become quite dusty during this period, which can impact visibility.

When To Visit Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park receives two main seasons in a year- the dry season and the wet season. Each season has its share of benefits and unique offerings.

The Dry Seasons in Lake Manyara National Park

There are two spells of the dry season in Lake Manyara National Park. The short dry spell prevails in the months of January and February. However, the long dry spell is experienced from June through October.

• During these dry spells, more and more visitors do approach the park for outstanding game-viewing opportunities.
• Because limited water sources and vegetation are getting thin and short, spotting wildlife becomes easier.
• As a result of limited water sources, visitors can spot maximum wildlife forms concentrated in certain places which means more glances of prey-predator play.

This makes the dry season a suitable time to explore the vast wilderness and richness of Lake Manyara National Park.

The Wet Seasons in Lake Manyara National Park

The time from November through May marks the wet season in Lake Manyara National Park. After rain the park comes back to life, there is more greenery with taller grasses and amazing scenic beauty that provides ample photographic opportunities.

• Of course, overgrown grasses hinder game viewing but that is so wonderfully compensated with the distinct birding safaris.
• Migratory birds make their way to the park making it all the way more beautiful and appealing.
• The wet season is a great time to explore the beauty and uniqueness of the park as it is less crowded and more open.

Here’s a quick comparison of both the dry and wet seasons of Lake Manyara National Park:

Below is a monthly breakdown of visiting Lake Manyara National Park based on each month of the year. This will assist you in deciding which month you’d like to visit the park based on your preferences.

The Best Time to Visit Lake Manyara National Park depends on your interests and preferences. The dry season from June to October is the best time for wildlife sightings, while the wet season from November to May is ideal for birdwatching and lush landscapes. Plan your visit accordingly and enjoy the beauty of this superb park.

Birdlife of Lake Manyara National Park

No other Tanzania National Park comes close to providing the best birdwatching experience than Lake Manyara National Park. Over 400 different species of birds have been recorded in the park and one can expect to see more than 100 of them in just a single day of Tanzania Safari Packages. Below are some of the birding highlights of Lake Manyara:

Common bird species:

• African jacana
• Comb duck
• Hamerkop
• Pied Kingfisher
• Sacred Ibis
• Southern ground hornbill
• Little stint
• Saddle-billed stork

Endemic bird species:

• Pied Avocet
• Spur-winged goose
• Pemba white-eye
• Uluguru Bushshrike

Near endemic bird species:

• Pemba Sunbird
• Moreau’s sunbird

Migrant bird species:

• Sanderling
• Cuckoos
• Black-tailed godwit
• Barnacle goose
• Common nightingale
• Greater and Lesser Flamingos

A Dreamland of Flamingoes

The most probable birdwatching highlight of Lake Manyara National Park, and the aspect for which the park is most famous – is the population of flamingoes.

• Lake Manyara National Park Safaris allow you to see both greater and lesser species of flamingoes.
• Greater flamingoes have whitish-pink feathers, pink legs, and black-edged wings. Lesser flamingoes weigh almost half compared to the greater species.
• Both species are pretty much the same in appearance, but they can be easily distinguished by their much pinker plumage and black bills.
• At times, extensive stretches of azure waters are painted pink by thousands of flamingoes huddled together on their legs.
• And at other times, pink spots create a polka dot-like pattern on the surface of the water.

Seeing a plumage of flamingoes take flight is going to be an experience that will knock your shoes off! You’ll witness the wings beating the air, hear the harmony of their sounds, and see the glorious spectacle of the communal lift.

Wildlife of Lake Manyara National Park

Even though Lake Manyara National Park Safaris are renowned for their spectacular birdwatching experiences, this in no way means that there’s not much wildlife to see in the park. The park is home to some of the largest concentrations of mammals in Africa.

Apart from rhinos, all of the big five can be seen on safaris and elephants have become synonymous with the park’s name. Here is a list of animals that you can anticipate seeing on Lake Manyara National Park Safaris:

• Baboons
• Buffaloes
• Bushbucks
• Civets
• Dik-diks
• Elephants
• Galagos
• Genets
• Giraffes
• Hippos
• Hyenas
• Impalas
• Leopards
• Lions
• Monkeys
• Mongooses
• Squirrels
• Warthogs
• Waterbucks
• Wildebeests
• Zebras

Even though they’re very elusive in nature, some lucky visitors may also get an opportunity to see cheetahs and African Wild Dogs in Lake Manyara National Park too. If you want to see baboons, then you’re in for a major treat! The park has the largest population of baboons on our entire planet, with troops consisting of over 100 individuals.

Lake Manyara National Park offers ample opportunity for wildlife spotting, game viewing, birding, and unique night game drives. During wet seasons when water levels are sufficiently high, visitors can go canoeing as well.

Attractions of Lake Manyara National Park

The incredible game-viewing circuit through the compact ecosystem of Tanzania offers an example of an ideal Safari In Tanzania experience. Right from the entrance gate, there will never be a moment that won’t amaze you.

The road takes you through an expanse of lush groundwater forest where hundreds of baboons along the roadside can be seen welcoming you! Other animals that you are expected to encounter are blue monkeys and cape bushbucks.

Here are some of the primary attractions in and of Lake Manyara National Park:

Lake Manyara – The Eponymous Body Of Azure Water!

Lake Manyara is the major attraction of the national park. 89 square miles of the park is covered by the lake itself. It is a shallow alkaline lake that is formed as a result of a depression within the Great Rift Valley.

The average depth of the lake typically varies between 2.8 to 3 feet, making it quite accessible for wildlife throughout the year. It’s surrounded by marshlands, saline flats, and grasslands. Because of an unlimited water source, large fig and mahogany trees are filling up the forest area.

This alkaline Soda Lake is home to an incredible array of bird life that thrives on its brackish waters. Lake Manyara is a scenic gem, which is clear from the statement stated by Ernest Hemingway as “the loveliest I had seen in Africa”.

Tree-climbing Lions – See the kings relaxing atop acacias!

Lake Manyara’s famous tree-climbing lions are another reason for visiting this Tanzania National Park. It is among the most unique attractions that can be seen by visitors.

Lions seem to climb trees mostly to keep themselves from getting bitten by insects, keep an eye on their prey grazing on the nearby savannah plains, and lastly stay protected from elephants and buffalos, who at times tend to attack.

Pink Flamingoes – that paint the blue skies into shades of rosy!

Lake Manyara is famous for hosting probably the largest population of Flamingos in the world. Algae-filled Lake Manyara attracts nearly about 1.9 million flamingos that leverage the lake for feeding on algae.

The big flocks of flamingos make them easier to be spotted from a distance and almost paint the Lake a shade of pink.

Impressively Tusked Elephants!

A large Elephant population inhabits Lake Manyara National Park. They can be abundantly seen throughout the park and more so near the water bodies during the dry seasons. Lake Manyara also serves as an important habitat for these huge mammals.

Hot Springs – The soothing waters are calling!

A large swampy area that gets fed with hot springs water located on the western shores of Lake Manyara National Park is called Maji Moto Kubwa hot springs.

Several hot springs seep from the nearby valley wall, bubbling at over 60 degrees Celsius fall into the swamp. It is a famous viewpoint, where you can do almost nothing and still enjoy your time gazing at the timeless beauty of this place.

Bird Species – Range of elevated avians!

Lake Manyara National Park is a habitat for a variety of bird species that includes a huge array of migratory and native birds. Flamingos, ostriches, hornbills, pelicans, herons, grey-crowned cranes, secretary birds, cormorants and storks are among the major bird species in the park.

With over 400 varieties of bird species, Lake Manyara National Park is rightly called a bird watcher’s paradise. Even a first-time visitor to Africa might expect to spot 100 of these in one day.

Things To Do In Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is a unique destination that offers visitors a wide variety of activities and experiences to enjoy. Here are some of the different Lake Manyara National Park Activities:

Game Drives – Set off on an overland safari adventure!

Game drives usually during the daytime are the best way to explore the diversity of wildlife in the Lake Manyara National Park.

• The wildlife species can be seen in their natural habitat occupied with their daily activities.
• Lake Manyara is covered with mahogany trees and therefore an excellent place to spot giraffes, monkeys, and buffalos.
• While on its vast stretch of savannah plains one can easily spot zebras, impalas, warthogs, elephant herds, cheetahs, and hippos among many others.

Spotting tree-climbing lions taking a rest on the tree branches is also a common phenomenon in the Lake Manyara National Park.

Night Game Drives – Discover the nightly magic of the Bush!

Lake Manyara National Park is among the few Tanzania National Parks that offer night game drives. Sometimes these animals are difficult to spot during broad daylight but nocturnal animals can be easily seen during the night. Night Safaris are done in special safari jeeps with open sides and tops for ensuring uninterrupted night game driving and viewing.

Animals like lions, leopards, porcupines, civet cats, jackals and so many others can be seen taking strolls at night. Therefore, do not forget to plan for a night game drive in Lake Manyara National Park during your next Safari in Tanzania and experience the thrill and excitement on an entirely different level.

Canoeing – Paddle your boats along the lakeshores!

Just like Night safaris, Lake Manyara National Park is among the few places in Tanzania where you can go canoeing. Canoeing on Lake Manyara offers ample opportunity to spot aquatic wildlife like water birds, hippos along with many other animals on the shore gathered to quench their thirst.

Walking Safaris – Authenticity captured on foot!

Lake Manyara National Park offers an extraordinary opportunity to discover its varied wildlife most distinctly. This National Park is a scenic beauty and nature walks are an excellent way to explore its various facets.

In the company of armed guides for the safety of tourists from dangerous animals, walking safaris in the Lake Manyara National Park are one of a kind that takes you close enough to nature and ensures close encounters with the wildlife.

Treetop Canopy Walk – Walk on top of the natural world!

Moving along the treetop walkway is another major activity to undertake during the Lake Manyara National Park safari. It is an incredible way of discovering the beauty of the park.

Canopy walk ensures ultimate views and amazing bird-watching experiences. You will also come across playful monkeys jumping and entertaining throughout the route.

Our Recommended Lake Manyara Tours

We at African Scenic Safaris have a great appreciation for Lake Manyara National Park which is why we love to show travellers the wonders of this Tanzania National Park comprehensively. If you’d also like to go for a Lake Manyara Tour then below are some of our recommendations:

12 Days Tanzania Family Safaris – This Tanzania Safari itinerary is made specifically with families in mind so that every member can enjoy the safari experiences Tanzania offers. This isn’t the extent of the Tanzania Safari Package however because you’ll experience a combination of the best of both the bush and beach.

8 Days Tanzania Classic Safari – This is a Tanzania Safari Package that represents safaris in a classic sense. You’ll get to visit 4 different Tanzania National Parks, including Lake Manyara on the last day.

Note – All of our above packages are fully customizable meaning that you can shape your safari experiences in whichever way you prefer.

Lake Manyara Accommodations

Lake Manyara National Park has a range of varied accommodation options. There are several private concessions as well as tented camps and luxury lodges. You’ll have certain choices based on your budget i.e., budget, mid-range, and luxury. Below are some of our recommendations for each category:

Budget Accommodations – Fundamental traveling!

These types of Tanzania Accommodations are great for those individuals who want to experience Tanzania Safaris in the most rustic and natural way. Plus, an added benefit is travelling on an affordable budget.

Mid-Range Accommodations – Where nature collides with comfort!

This accommodation category is also a popular choice among visitors. You’ll get to enjoy all basic plus some hints of luxury amenities in these Lake Manyara Accommodations.

Luxury Accommodations – Because you deserve nothing but the best!

If you prefer to have a safari experience covered with signature luxuries and amenities, then this is your go-to option. Some examples include:

Lake Manyara National Park Entrance Fees

Lake Manyara National Park entry fee is paid by the tourists to make an entry into the park premises. The entrance fee varies according to the citizenship status. So, with that in mind here are the entrance fees of the park for both residents and non-residents:

Central Highlights of Lake Manyara National Park

Now that we’ve covered all the major aspects of Lake Manyara National Park Safaris, it’s time for a refresher! Here are some of the central highlights of Lake Manyara National Park:

• The centrepiece of the park – Lake Manyara, provides a stunning backdrop for wildlife sightings.
• Home to an extensive array of wildlife – ranging from mammals and primates to several herbivores, antelopes, and tree-climbing lions.
• The park is home to the largest population of baboons on the planet.
• The varied vegetation ranges from lush forests to open grasslands.
• Unique habitats like an umbrella, acacia, sausage, and baobab trees provide a life-nurturing force for a variety of wildlife and birdlife.
• The best Tanzania National Park to see a full display of high-flying avians with more than 400 documented species of birds.
• The wet season of the park brings with it several migratory birds, with the highlight being the plumage of beautiful pink flamingoes.
• The soothing Maji Moto Hot springs are located inside the park’s premises, and visiting here is the most relaxing and refreshing.

An Integral Paradise For Safari Lovers!

We at African Scenic Safaris have a great appreciation for Lake Manyara National Park which is why we love to show travellers the wonders of this Tanzania National Park comprehensively. If you’d also like to go for a Lake Manyara Tour then below are some of our recommendations:

12 Days Tanzania Family Safaris – This Tanzania Safari itinerary is made specifically with families in mind so that every member can enjoy the safari experiences Tanzania offers. This isn’t the extent of the Tanzania Safari Package however because you’ll experience a combination of the best of both the bush and beach.

8 Days Tanzania Classic Safari – This is a Tanzania Safari Package that represents safaris in a classic sense. You’ll get to visit 4 different Tanzania National Parks, including Lake Manyara on the last day.